Seekonk Public Library Programs for Children and Families

Please note that until further notice, the library is only providing curbside pick up and online services. Online services are available 24/7 at www.seekonkpl.org. Although the building is not open for browsing, you may contact the library for assistance or with questions at (508) 336-8230 or childrens@seekonkpl.org 

Winter Reading Challenge #WinterReads2021
Ongoing now through - February 28, 2021
Elementary students (grades 1-5) who participate in our virtual Wild Winter Reading Adventure through the Beanstack platform will gain access to fun and engaging activities, a reading challenge, and the chance to earn virtual raffle tickets towards our grand prize!
This Winter Reading Adventure is ingoing through February 28th. Log 20 minutes a day to earn a completion certificate, while earning virtual raffle tickets for every hour you read!
YOU can help the Seekonk Public Library win 50 books courtesy of Simon & Schuster! The 10 libraries with the highest participation in this reading challenge will win 50 books for their collection. It’s time to show them what we’re made of, Seekonk! Register today at www.seekonkpl.org calendar of events

Discover the Library Day for Families
This is a day to highlight the programs and services available to families through Seekonk Public Library. Throughout the year families may borrow books, eBooks, audiobooks, DVDs, music, ukuleles, binge boxes, digital cameras and more. Attend virtual programs such as early literacy storytimes, the upcoming Whale Mobile event or meeting and learning from a LEGO Master Builder. Children connect with their community with programs such as No-Sew Pet Blankets for Seekonk Animal Shelter and the Seekonk Library Kindness Rocks Garden. Online services such as Tumblebooks for animated books (nothing to download), Kanopy for streaming movies, and databases for research and homework assistance are valuable resources available to families 24/7. If you’re unfamiliar with what Seekonk Library offers for children and families, visit us at seekonkpl.org. If you’re already a library user, spread the word to friends about the wonderful programs and services you enjoy through your local library.

Virtual Events on Discover the Library Day, February 6
Stuffed Animal Virtual Storytime
Saturday, February 6 at 10 am
Join Miss Sandie for a virtual Zoom storytime for children ages 2-5 and their stuffed animals. There will be stories, music, and movement! Bring as many stuffies as you'd like to this virtual "Wild Symphony" and bring a dash of the sillies, too. Register at seekonkpl.org calendar of events.

Pet Blankets for Seekonk Animal Shelter
Pick up starting February 6. Register in advance. Curbside appointment required
Families may register to take part in Seekonk Library's No-Sew Pet Blanket Project for pets adopted out through the Seekonk Animal Shelter. Register through the calendar of events at seekonkpl.org and to reserve a free, no-sew, easy to make blanket kit* for your family. Starting February 6, blanket kits may be picked up by scheduling a curbside appointment on or after that date through seekonkpl.org Families will make the blanket at home and complete it by February 27. Details for drop-off will be included with the kit. The Library will deliver the blankets all together to Seekonk Animal Shelter and they will be given to families who adopt a cat or dog into their "forever home". Join us for this great, all-ages, family project that supports OUR community’s animal shelter. *Kit includes fabric and instructions. Supplies limited. Registration required.

Valentine Love Bug “Take and Make”
Pick up starting February 6. Register in advance. Curbside appointment required
A fun and simple Valentine's Day craft for kids grades K-5! This take & make kit will include pom poms, googly eyes, and pipe cleaners to make your own love bugs! Instructions will be provided via video tutorial on CreativeBug, a free craft DIY video database provided to you for free with your Seekonk Library card. There's plenty of room for creativity with this craft, and you can decorate and construct your love bugs any way you'd like. Once registered you will need to reserve a curbside pickup appointment to pickup your materials kit. There is no "live" component to this program, your family can participate at your own convenience using the CreativeBug tutorial video. Space is limited. Registration and curbside appointment required.

Vacation Week Specials
Zen Garden Take & Make
Pick up starting February 13. Register in advance. Curbside appointment required.
Children will receive supplies to create their very own tabletop Zen garden. Each packet will include a container, sand, small objects, and a “rake”. Children then create designs in the sand to increase mindfulness and meditation. This interactive activity also provides an opportunity for children to concentrate and focus while creating a calming mood of peace and tranquility. Along with the Zen Garden supplies there will also be two meditation or mindfulness books to check out. The supplies are free to keep but the books are to be returned.
Tabletop Zen gardens are a screen free, calming activity suitable for the entire family.To reserve your child's supplies and books, register for the program, wait for an email that the supplies are ready to be picked up then schedule a curbside appointment for pick up.

Lego Build Event: Learn from a Master Builder
Tuesday, February 16, 10 am and 3 pm
Calling all kids ages 7+. Do you absolutely LOVE building with LEGOS?
Are you interested in meeting a LEGO Master Builder? Would you like to learn tips and tricks from a Master Builder to use during your next build? If you answered 'yes' to any or all of these questions, then this two-part virtual Zoom program is for you! First part: 10 am - 11 am Participants will meet LEGO Master Builder Dan "The Brickman" Steininger, one of the 8 original (and at that time ONLY) Master Builders. After meeting Dan, everyone will choose a theme and Dan will offer helpful hints and tips for a great build. By 11 am everyone will sign-off and have a few hours to work on their project. Second part: 3 pm - 4:30 pm We will meet back at 3 pm and everyone will show their build to the group. Dan will enjoy seeing all of the projects and will offer "praise and pointers". It will be like having a semi-private lesson from a LEGO Master Builder! Registration required and limited to children who can attend both the morning and afternoon sessions. Register at www.seekonkpl.org calendar of events.

Whale Mobile
Wednesday, February 17 at 2 pm
Join whale expert and educator, Cynde McInnis for a virtual WhaleMobile experience. First there will be a presentation about whales then families will watch as an inflatable whale is blown up to life-size. Next, participants will virtually step into the inflatable to see what whales look like on the inside. While inside the belly of a whale (!) learn about baleen and teeth, communication, individual identification and the importance of whales. The program finishes with a discussion of marine debris and what we can do to help protect the oceans. This event is a fascinating look at whales and may just inspire families to learn more about oceans and the environment around us. Registration required at www.seekonkpl.org calendar of events

Building Bridges with Story
Saturdays, March 6 – April 11 am – 12:30 pm
Calling kids ages 9+ to learn the art of storytelling. You may not know it, but YOU have a family story just waiting to be told! In this multi-week program you'll discover a family story to tell, gain the skills to tell your story, and have the opportunity to perform it for your family and the community. To discover the story that you want to tell, you'll talk with a family member of your choice and ask them about their childhood or perhaps about anytime before you were born. For example, you might ask them what they were like when they were a child or teenager. You could ask how they got a scar that you've always noticed. Or whether or not they've ever been in trouble (little or big). You never know what answer will yield a story just waiting to be told!
The 6 week program will feature games, activities, and performance tips to help build skills that will bring your family story to life. Throughout the workshop you will be guided by two local, award-winning storytellers, Andrea Lovett and Karen Chace. Join us for this interactive, online, 6 week storytelling program with a grand finale performance on week 7 to delight families and community. Please note that parent(s) or guardians will join in on the March 6th meeting only.
By learning about a relative's childhood or upbringing, we'll be "building a bridge" between generations with the art of storytelling.
(If the program is full with a wait list it will go to lottery registration)

Storytime on the Go
Weeks of February 2, 9
Create a storytime experience at home with Storytime On The Go packets. Each packet will include 6 books and an age appropriate early literacy activity. The early literacy activities will support the five early literacy practices: talking, singing, reading, writing and playing.
For January, packets will consist of a variety of books not related to a theme- in other words, a grab bag of books (!) with an accompanying activity.
Storytime On The Go packets are available for toddlers or preschoolers- just choose the packet that's right for your child
Toddler (suggested up to age 3) stories for children who are ready for books with short stories
Preschool (suggested ages 3 - 5) books that include longer stories
Register separately for each week (February 2, 9) and we'll create a Storytime On The Go packet for your child. To arrange for curbside delivery, wait for an email stating that your packet is ready to be picked up then reserve a day and time through our website for pick up.
Separate registration required for each week. Have questions or need assistance? Contact Miss Sharon & Miss Sandie at childrens@seekonkpl.org or call (508) 336-8230 x56140

Babies and Books (virtual via Zoom)
Monday, February 22, 10AM
Join Miss Sharon for a live, winter themed storytime for children ages 2 and under.
There will be a snow story, finger plays, music, dancing, and yes, even bubbles! Everyone is invited to wear white (the color of snow). Older siblings are always welcomed to attend. To receive the Zoom invite, registration required at seekonkpl.org calendar of events

Preschool Storytime (Virtual via Zoom)
Wednesday, February 24, 1:30PM
Join Miss Sandie for a live, winter themed storytime for children ages 2-5. Younger siblings are always welcomed to attend. To receive the Zoom invite, registration required at www.seekonkpl.org calendar of events

1,000 Books Before Kindergarten
On-going
Families are invited to join the 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten program at Seekonk Public Library. This program encourages parents and caregivers to regularly read aloud to their young children which builds literacy skills and helps lay the foundation for school success.
To participate, parents register for the self-paced program then keep track of the books that are read by using either the 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten app or by tracking the books on paper reading logs available through the library. Incentives are earned after each 100 books including special achievement stickers, a tote bag, a lunch bag and even a t-shirt after reading 1,000 books.

Research shows that the most reliable predictor of school success is being read to during early childhood. Reading to children from an early age can help close the vocabulary gap and prepare children to enter kindergarten with the skills they need to learn how to read and succeed. These skills include understanding the sounds letters make, developing rich language, learning vocabulary words and building background knowledge. In addition, sharing books with children helps promote a lifelong love of books and reading.

The program is self-paced and achievable. By reading three books a day, the program can be completed in one year. By reading one book a day, families will reach the goal in three years. The program is educational, free of charge and children ages birth through age 5 may participate. Registration is on-going and requires a SAILS Library card. For more information, call the Youth Services Librarians, Sharon Clarke and Sandie Gauthier at (508) 336-8230 x56140, or visit www.seekonkpl.org/kids 

Family Binge Boxes
Get cozy on the couch with Seekonk Library's newest Binge Boxes. Check out a family oriented, binge-worthy box of 6-7 family and children's DVDs based on a variety of themes. Our latest boxes are Disney Classics, Family Classics, Storytime (animated read-alouds), and Preschool Education (Sesame Street, Mr. Rogers, PBS etc). All materials are in DVD format and are rated G or PG. Call the library to select a box that’s just right for your family and we’ll deliver it curbside to you. Binge Boxes circulate for two weeks at a time.

About eBooks
Whether you’re looking for picture books, beginner readers, chapter books, or nonfiction books for your child, we have thousands of eBook titles to choose from. Available in eBook, audiobook and video formats. Browse our online collections at www.seekonkpl.org and scroll to the bottom of the home page for the links to OverDrive, Hoopla and Tumblebooks. You will need your SAILS library card to check books out. Don’t have a card? Contact us at childrens@seekonkpl.org or (508) 336-8230 x56140

OverDrive Your child's source for e-Books and audio books for every device. Discover picture books, chapter books, graphic novels and more. Explore Libby, the 'user-friendly' OverDrive app. www.seekonkpl.org. No monthly limit on checkouts.

Hoopla Instantly borrow eBooks, audiobooks, comics, movies, music and more for your child, 24/7 with your library card. Monthly limit on checkouts.

TumbleBooks Encourage reading with interactive books and activities. Something for every age child! Featuring picture books, chapter books, graphic novels, National Geographic videos, games, puzzles & more. No app needed, nothing to download, no borrowing, just click and read. Visit www.seekonkpl.org  and scroll to bottom of homepage for link
To search our main catalog of hardcover and paperback books (not eBooks) visit the SAILS online catalog at www.seekonkpl.org 

Visit www.seekonkpl.org or call (508) 336-8230 for details about placing any type of materials on hold, about curbside pick-up and for updated Seekonk Library news. Follow us on FaceBook and Instagram.

Personal Book Shoppers for Children’s Books
You’ve heard of personal shoppers for clothes, gifts, and even groceries...but a personal shopper for children’s books? Absolutely! Call the library and we’ll ask you a few questions such as the age of your child, and the types of children’s books you’re looking for (beginner readers, children’s fiction or nonfiction, etc) and we’ll put a stack of books together for you. When the books are ready, we can schedule a curbside pickup. Want to select your own books? Simply visit www.Seekonkpl.org and search our catalog to place holds online (and for eBooks remember to search Libby and Hoopla through our library website or app.). Whether you want us to pick books for your child, or you want to search and select books to put on hold yourself, we’re here for you! Call the library at 508-336-8230 or visit us online at www.Seekonkpl.org to discover your next stack of great children’s books.